In the skincare world, hyaluronic acid has earned a stellar reputation. It's found in serums, creams, and masks, and is touted as a near-magic solution for dry or dehydrated skin. But have you ever wondered if you only need hyaluronic acid to keep your skin hydrated and healthy?
Spoiler: it's not enough.
True, long-lasting hydration has an often-forgotten protagonist: your skin's lipid barrier .
What is the lipid barrier?
The lipid barrier is an essential part of the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis). It is composed of lipids—primarily ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol—that are sandwiched between skin cells like cement between bricks.
Its function is simple, but powerful:
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Retains moisture within the skin.
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Protects against external aggressors such as pollution, bacteria, allergens and irritants.
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Prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL) , keeping skin hydrated and balanced.
When this barrier is intact, the skin appears soft, radiant, and irritation-free. But when it's compromised, dryness, sensitivity, redness, and other skin imbalances appear.
So... hyaluronic acid isn't enough?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an excellent humectant : it attracts water to the skin like a magnet. However, if the lipid barrier is damaged, that water simply evaporates . It's like watering a plant in a cracked pot.
That's why we need something to repair and seal that protective layer. This is where the protagonist of this blog comes in...
Gheelove ghee-based balm: deep nourishment and perfect affinity with your skin
Ghee, a clarified butter used anciently in Ayurvedic medicine, is not only liquid gold in the kitchen: it is a jewel for the skin .
Our ghee-based repair balm has been specially formulated to restore the lipid barrier , deeply nourish and restore natural softness to dry, irritated or unbalanced skin.
Why ghee?
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Ghee is an animal fat rich in essential fatty acids , with a composition similar to human sebum, making it highly biocompatible .
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Contains vitamins A, D, E and K , all fat-soluble and essential for skin regeneration.
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It has anti-inflammatory, soothing and healing properties.
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It provides a creamy but not heavy texture, which seals in hydration without clogging pores .
This balm acts as a “nourishing bandage” for the skin: it fills in the gaps in the damaged lipid barrier , calms inflammation, and keeps the hydration captured by hyaluronic acid (or other humectants) in the deeper layers.
Try thisbalm this summer to repair sun damage. Apply a small amount after cleansing your skin and removing any remaining sunscreen. Feel refreshed and hydrated in the morning!
You can read more about hyaluronic acid studies at Harvard Medical School.
Or in this article from the National Center for Biotechnology Information